Free The Rightful Heir by Angel Moore Page B

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    Peggy put teacups on a tray with the cake slices and led the way to the front parlor. “What about the wedding of Jasmine and my brother?”
    â€œI’m interviewing Jasmine tomorrow at lunch.” Mary Lou tried to sound neutral but a bit of anxiety crept into her voice. “Jared Ivy will be joining us.”
    â€œThat shouldn’t be too awkward for you. You’ve been working together for several days now.”
    â€œWe’ve been working in the same space, but I don’t think we’ve managed to work together on anything yet. Certainly not a story. It won’t surprise me if he’s got ideas for making a lot of changes to the paper. My goal is to maintain the tone and character his grandfather established. But let’s not talk about Jared. I need a good story. Unless I want him to bring in something better than I do. If that happens, he could take over the spirit of the paper before the judge comes to town and decides who will keep it.”
    â€œSo you don’t want to talk about Jared, do you?” Peggy was gracious and didn’t point out how much of Mary Lou’s conversation centered on the newest resident of Pine Haven. “Let me see.” She poured tea, and the two of them soon were deep in conversation about the upcoming social planned for Christmas Eve.
    Mary Lou took the last bite of cake and set her plate on the tray. “Has Reverend Dismuke arranged for the use of the barn at the Circle W?”
    Peggy nodded. “He’s spoken to Evan. With Jasmine running the ranch now, David knew Evan could arrange the details with her.”
    â€œIt still seems a bit odd for Mr. Willis to have turned over the reins of the ranch to Jasmine before the wedding.” Mary Lou knew what it was like to work in a man’s job. Jasmine was in a more difficult position as a lady rancher.
    â€œJasmine played such an important role in the healing of our family before she and Evan became engaged. Pa loves her as much as he loves me and Evan and Milly.”
    â€œDo you think your father’s somewhat obstinate personality will keep him from letting go of the decisions?” Mary Lou knew Peggy’s family had recently reconciled after years of tension. Jasmine Warren’s friendship and ultimate betrothal to Peggy’s brother, the town doctor, had been the turning point.
    Peggy laughed. “I don’t think Pa will cease to be ornery, but I think he does it now to tease us.”
    â€œI’m so happy for your family. Not everyone gets that kind of happiness restored.” Mary Lou knew there was no one to restore for her. No one alive claimed her as their family. Her father and mother had passed, then her aunt. Now with Mr. Ivy’s death, everyone she’d ever truly loved was gone.
    Movement outside the front window caught her attention. Jared walked across the churchyard, leading his new horse by the reins. His pace was steady but not fast.
    Peggy went to stand by the front window. “So you don’t want to talk about Jared Ivy, but you still do. And you’re watching him out the window, too.” She turned to Mary Lou. “Is there something besides a news article you’d like to talk about with me? You know I’m more than happy to lend an ear.”
    Embarrassment at having been caught staring jolted Mary Lou back to the moment. She put her teacup on the tray and stood. “I need to be going. There’s a lot of work to be done for the paper.” She pulled her gloves on and smiled at Peggy. “Thank you for the information about the Christmas social. I think I’ll try to find a way to make the preparations into a series of articles. I’ll start by speaking to your husband.”
    Peggy followed her to the front door and put a hand on her arm. “You’re more than welcome, Mary Lou. Please be cautious. I don’t know what I think about this new man coming into town and trying to take